Amazon introduced its Coins virtual currency to the UK and Germany, which Kindle Fire owners can use to buy apps, games and in-app items on the Amazon Appstore.

Kindle Fire owners, as well as those that have ordered the new Kindle Fire HDX, will receive free Amazon Coins in their account.

Amazon Coins was first launched in the US in May, with customers having since spent hundreds of millions of them, representing real dollars to developers who receive 70 per cent of revenue spent on their apps using Coins.

Amazon’s Appstore Developer Select app promotion programme allows users to earn Amazon Coins when they buy or make in-app purchases in Select apps. They receive 30 per cent of the purchase price back in the virtual currency, while first-time buyers will receive 250 bonus coins.

Amazon said developers will be able to benefit from the availability of the virtual currency during the run up to Christmas.

The Amazon Appstore saw a 50 per cent increase in the number of app downloads during the US Thanksgiving week compared to the average week. The week following Christmas saw a 600 per cent increase.

In August, Amazon said almost half of developers who monetise their apps using Coins saw weekly revenue rise by more than 50 per cent after introduction of the virtual currency.

Coins have accounted for the majority of revenue for many indie developers, since the virtual currency was launched.

Game developer Halfbrick Studios said revenue increased significantly after Amazon Coins was launched. Cash receipts were also boosted by Coins.

PepiPlay said Amazon Coins accounted for more than half of sales for the week following the launch of Coins and significantly boosted total weekly sales.